Tiger at PGA Championship 2013: Woods Falters as Furyk Leads

Jim Furyk had the kind of round critics predicted Tiger Woods would have during Thursday's opening round at the 95th PGA Championship.

Furyk performed his personal best and dominated Oak Hill during his opening round, finishing the day at five-under, 65. That is Furyk's best score during the first round of any PGA Championship.

Yes, Furyk's round was similar to what Tiger experienced at the Bridgestone Invitational. It was a birdie feast that included four on the front nine and three on the back nine.

Furyk told ASAP Sports:

"

Well, obviously I'm pleased with the round. Just looking through the stats here, which I don't usually look at. But just happy with the round. Really felt in control this morning. It was nice to get off to a good start birdieing No. 10. Knocked in a nice putt from about six feet, knocked in a good par putt on 11. Got off to a good start with the putter.

"

Furyk played at Firestone last week and had a good showing there with a total score of 276 and 75.75 FedEx Cup points.

Furyk is completely capable of holding the lead, but there are three more days to test the veteran's stamina.

Furyk told CBSsports.com, "I played well last week at the Bridgestone and I felt like the golf course would be a good fit. I hit most of the fairways. The first day you just try and be positive."

Tiger Woods was trying to stay positive during his opening round, too.

Woods' first day was nowhere near the performance he gave at Firestone. His round of 1-over 71 had more frustrations than bright spots.

Woods started the day good, but it was a tough morning. One that began to feel more like a workout with Woods grinding out one hole after another on the back nine.

Woods only hit nine greens and nine fairways, but his putting was one of the true bright spots during his round.

Woods' put a bit of spin on his round as he claimed he felt he played well. He told ASAP Sports: "I feel like I played well today and made some nice key putts and the key is I left it in all the good spots, too.  Left it right where I wanted to leave them, so I had some free runs at putts, especially the par putts."

Woods will start his round Friday six shots off the lead. Playing from behind is nothing new to Woods, but he has some serious catching up to do on Friday and Saturday, if he truly intends to contend on Sunday.